This month, Chicago Bears Chairman George McCaskey, more than 50 Bears staffers, and youth from My Block, My Hood, My City gathered alongside READI Chicago participants to rehab Heartland Human Care Services’ (HHCS) new West Side Hub, the permanent home of READI Chicago’s Austin community.
Participants, the Bears, and youth spent the morning painting and decorating the former site of Banner Academy, transforming the former classrooms into vibrant new spaces for men to gather for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). However, HHCS’ Director of Workforce Development Larry Alexander emphasized that this was not just about painting — rather, the focus of the morning was to give participants and Bears staffers a chance to talk, learn from one another, and forge relationships.
“READI really saved my life,” Dominic, a READI Chicago participant, told a group of Bears staffers as they painted side by side. “These times — the mornings, afternoons — these are the most dangerous times of my life, and being able to be here every day at those times really saves me. It’s making a difference.”
As barriers dissolved, creating a sense of solidarity between staffers and participants, the West Side Hub was transformed into freshly painted CBT classrooms, adorned with READI Chicago banners and values. Participants played music and danced in the bright new classrooms, relaxed and comfortable in their new READI Chicago home.
“These young men have real values about life and want to move forward with their lives and be a part of the American dream,” Larry said. “We have to find a way to eliminate the barriers. These young men simply deserve an opportunity, because I think that’s what’s missing.”
